Who can resist a good-natured wager among college friends? Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers, both standout former LSU Tigers, have stirred up some excitement with their playful $10,000 bet on the NFL Rookie of the Year race. If one of them clinches the title, the loser will have to cough up the cash. While it’s all in good fun, it’s worth considering the odds, given the stiff competition they’re up against.
Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers’ Bet Confirmed on All Facts No Brakes
In a conversation with Keyshawn Johnson on All Facts No Brakes, Daniels affirmed the bet, which sets the stakes high for the duo’s rookie NFL seasons. As the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels went second overall to the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, unanimous All-American receiver Malik Nabers was drafted a few picks later by the New York Giants, a division rival.
Despite their exceptional talent, neither player is the frontrunner to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Instead, most eyes are on Caleb Williams, who was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears, and Marvin Harrison Jr., who landed with the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels and Nabers might have their work cut out for them.
An Uphill Battle for Recognition
Given their respective positions, Daniels is more likely to outshine Nabers in the Rookie of the Year contest. As a quarterback for the Commanders, Daniels will get significant attention if the team has a solid season. Nabers, as a wide receiver, would need the Giants to excel for his shot at the title to remain realistic.
Commanders P Tress Way did not want a cash transaction from Jayden Daniels for the No. 5. Instead, as part of the exchange, when Way is done with his NFL career, Daniels plans to send Way and his family to an Oklahoma-LSU football game, presumably with good seats, per source. pic.twitter.com/93QeMAOE6G
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 10, 2024
Even then, other candidates like Williams and Harrison seem better poised to grab the spotlight. Williams’ chances depend largely on the Bears’ performance, while Harrison benefits from having Arizona’s Kyler Murray as his quarterback, giving him a stronger offensive support system than Nabers enjoys in New York.
Contenders to Watch: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and More
For now, Caleb Williams remains the clear favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, followed by Daniels and Harrison. As for r Nabers, he’s arguably a top-five contender. However, he faces strong competition from other receivers, like Williams’ Bears teammate Rome Odunze, and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
While this friendly wager between Daniels and Nabers is all in good fun, the NFL Rookie of the Year race promises fierce competition. For now, both will have to prove their mettle on the field and overcome the stacked odds to win big—and avoid paying up on that $10,000 bet.
